United v Leicester: Things we noticed

Marcus Rashford’s brace and Jadon Sancho’s well-worked goal was enough to secure the three points and moved the Reds to within five points of Premier League leaders Arsenal and three of second-placed Manchester City.

Rashford has now scored more goals this season than in any other campaign after bringing his tally up to 24 strikes in all competitions.

But his latest achievement was far from being the only talking point from United’s big win over the Foxes at Old Trafford. Read on for the other items which caught our eye in the press box...

ELECTRIC AFTERNOON AT OLD TRAFFORD

The atmosphere inside the Theatre of Dreams was incredible with both sets of fans making their voices heard. The fans in our world-famous Stretford End were belting out all of the classic songs, while the away end gave as much energy back. Neither set of supporters relented, and despite their team falling behind in the game, the Leicester fans would carry on singing until the final whistle, just as the Red Army did. The noise from the stands increased the intensity of a memorable afternoon in M16.

LEICESTER’S COUNTER-ATTACKING THREAT

The visitors came to Old Trafford with a game plan of breaking on the counter attack and trying to catch United out. It may not have paid off for Brendan Rodgers' side on this occasion, but they looked very threatening. Kelechi Ihenacho’s big one-on-one chance forced Victor Lindelof to make a wonderful block, while David De Gea was at the rescue to deny Harvey Barnes. The Reds stayed solid at the back during those difficult opening minutes and remained that way to give Marcus Rashford a platform for the opener. After that, United looked in full control for the remainder of the game. 

RASHFORD'S RECORDS

How many more records is Marcus going to break this season? Not only has the striker now beaten his highest-ever tally for a season with 24 goals in all competitions, but he has become the first United player since Wayne Rooney to score in seven successive home Premier League games. He also created a personal feat by scoring against Leicester for the seventh and eighth time in 14 meetings with them - he's now netted more goals against the Foxes than any other team. Next on that list, with six strikes at their expense, is Liverpool who we face in a fortnight on Sunday 5 March. It looks like nothing is stopping United’s no.10 in this already-impressive campaign. 

BETTER AFTER THE BREAK

United started the second half a lot stronger than the first, with plenty of chances to double the lead. Lisandro Martinez with a bullet header, Bruno Fernandes’ long ranger and Rashford’s solo run were all massive opportunities to score in the opening five minutes following the interval. The build-up play and possession of the ball were both massively improved on the first 45 minutes, with the attacks looking more direct and the midfield looking more in control. And with Rashford’s second goal coming very early after the restart, Erik ten Hag’s half-time words looked to have inspired the team to victory.

SUPERB SANCHO

When Jadon Sancho stepped onto the hallowed turf against Nottingham Forest in January, we knew that this was a player reborn. And today against Leicester City, he came off the bench to show how much of a threat he can be. Linking up with Diogo Dalot and Fernandes in the build-up to the third strike, our wing wizard buried the ball with a tidy finish to put the game beyond the Foxes. And in the 70th minute, he was unlucky to not score a second goal, with a well-timed tackle stopping his run. His decision making and offensive play were excellent and we are now seeing a Sancho who is brimming with confidence.

ATTACK, ATTACK, ATTACK

Both teams provided an excellent display of attacking football with a record being equalled. United and Leicester created a combined 45 shots, with 26 from the Reds and 19 registered by the away side. This is the most shots in a single Premier League game for almost seven years, matching the figure from another game at Old Trafford, when the Reds drew 0-0 with Burnley in October 2016.

DE GEA EQUALS SCHMEICHEL

Rashford was not the only player making history this afternoon. David De Gea has now equalled Peter Schmeichel’s record of the most clean sheets for United by reaching 180. The Spaniard was in fine form against the Foxes, making magnificent saves to deny Harvey Barnes and Kelechi Iheanacho in the first half to keep the game level. Our 2011 signing from Atletico Madrid will now set his sights on moving clear at the top of the all-time chart by shutting out Barcelona on Thursday night. Congratulations, David!